Are you tired of meetings that follow the same old boring format? The agenda gets handed out, the discussion takes place, the minutes are written up, and that's it? Restore some enthusiasm in your meeting attendees and project participants by using PowerPoint.

When someone decides to use PowerPoint, they are usually thinking about how it will benefit them rather than the audience. All right, it's more interesting for the audience to look at than a handout, but most people think - ah, I won't have to use cards to memorise my pitch from, I can look at the PowerPoint screen, and so can the attendees.

Sure, but if you follow this same pattern - you're not really harnessing the true power of PowerPoint (it's in the name, after all!). You can use this software as a tool not only to enthuse people, but to make sure actions and points are digested and acted upon.

Content and summaries

The title shouldn't be something generic, such as your name, job title and the date - it should be the topic of the presentation in a nutshell. Instead of "Accounts 2010", it should be "Reporting back on how our accounts look better in 2010". If someone picks up a printed or copied version of your presentation, they should instantly know what it's about without having to mow through the content in the slides.

The second slide (or first slide after the main title, which should really be on its own for more impact) should list the objectives of the presentation. Naturally, the unspoken objective is to impart information: but you needn't state the obvious. For example, if you're using the "Reporting back on how our accounts look better in 2010" example, then your objectives might be "Accounting Procedures" (and any changes to them) "summary of the 2009 accounts", "feedback" and so on - making objectives of what you want your audience to understand, and in which steps. This slide can be reiterated by copying and pasting it right at the end of the presentation too, to see if the objectives have been met, or planned, while you've been doing your presentation.

Formatting

Remember to keep your headings and slide titles succinct. Saying "Opinions (good or bad) on previous accounts from April 2009 - April 2010" is better stated as "Feedback on 2009 Financial Year" and so on.

This also works if you have to print your presentation out for distribution - make each slide clear as to its purpose. There is a "six by six" rule of good formatting in PowerPoint which is six lines, and six words per line. Don't make the mistake of treating PowerPoint like an autocue for yourself - it's there to summarise and clarify, not take over from you having to public speak or rehearse your presentation!

Remember to use bullets and lots of spacing so it's clear and uncluttered. Use graphics and pictures where you can - they hold people's attention better and charts provide messages about trends and data better than any words can.

The best PowerPoint presentations call upon all these tips- but the ultimate focus of attention should be on you. If you're not comfortable up there presenting, it can be very tempting to let PowerPoint do all your work. Treat it as a good professional assisting tool rather than a crutch, and you'll have a much better presentation at your disposal.